From New York to L.A., Ankle Boots Are Definitely a Thing

All the Ways to Wear is a monthly series where we round up the personal twists the Who What Wear team is putting on one particular item, style, or trend. Whether it's the trending denim of the moment or the season's It print, we hope to inspire your daily outfits and up the cost per wear on some of our favorite items.

As the year comes to a close, I'm reflecting on some of my favorite outfit combinations I've attempted to put together this year. I went through my fair share of phases—there were the all-knit sets I couldn't stop wearing and the house-dress situation that quickly came to a halt earlier this year. Oh, and for a while, I wore tie-dye five days a week. Thankfully, one look that I've been wearing on repeat since the temps cooled down is a trusted boot-and-pants combo (and so have my co-workers). I've been talking about these SOREL boots for some time now, but I'm here again to tell you that this year is not the time to sleep on chunky-soled shoes. They're a Who What Wear staple and for good reason. From fellow editor Bobby Schuessler, who's in Boston and is the king of classic looks, to our in-the-know influencer partnerships manager, Paulina Galoostian, we're all relying on this trusted outfit formula to get us through the rest of the year. See how we style this look five different ways.

Natalie Cantell, Fashion Director

What city are you in RN?

New York City, specifically Williamsburg.

What are your thoughts and feelings on chunky-sole boots, like these SOREL’s for fall?

I've had a crush on sneakers with chunky gum soles all summer, so that's naturally just evolved into boots with chunky gum soles for fall and winter.

How did you style the shoes and why?

I'm not sure when it happened, but I'm suddenly very on board with these head-to-toe neutral looks. It's such an easy way to look elevated even when you're really just dressed for comfort.

Bobby Schuessler, Senior Market Editor

What city are you in RN?

Boston!

How did you style the shoes and why?

I played off the khaki color of the boots and went for a neutral palette featuring a coordinating longline coat, a printed hoodie, and unique trousers. To me, this outfit is effortless and elevated.

What do you find special about the shoes?

I'm into the slightly rugged aesthetic. The silhouette feels incredibly of the moment. The comfort level is also top-notch. I could walk miles in them. Oh, and the waterproof aspect means I can wear them with ease all winter long.

Kia Topps, People & Talent Coordinator

What city are you in RN?

Los Angeles.

How did you style the shoes and why?

I styled the shoes with a turtleneck and puffy jacket because all three items give me all the fall feels. These shoes are super versatile, and that’s what makes them special. If I want to make a trip to the snow this year, I could wear them there, or if I need a cute and comfy look to the grocery store, I can do that, too.

What's your style motto for the rest of 2020?

My style motto for the end of the year is just to be cute, comfy, and confident! You can’t go wrong with those three things incorporated into your look.

Kristine Yin, Client Services Senior Manager

What city are you in RN?

I'm back and forth between Los Angeles and New York.

How did you style the shoes and why?

This season, I'm embracing a black-and-white color palette, especially if it means there's a little leather (and gray) involved.

What do you find special about the shoes?

My favorite part of these SOREL shoes is the fact that they're like a sneaker-and-boot hybrid shoe. It gives the effect of an ankle boot, which makes it one of the most versatile options in my wardrobe.

Paulina Galoostian, Influencer & Brand Partnerships Senior Manager

What city are you in RN?

I'm in Los Angeles, but have been traveling back and forth to Kansas City.

What are your thoughts and feelings on chunky sole boots like these SOREL’s for fall?

These boots are both on-trend and comfortable. I am always looking for some extra height since I'm five-feet tall, so these chunky-sole boots are an amazing addition to my closet. They are very comfortable, as well as durable. They kept me both warm and stylish in the Kansas City snow this week.

How did you style the shoes and why?

I can say that these boots were the statement-maker of my look. I styled them with black jeans and my favorite black puff-sleeve sweater. I started the day in the boots at a local coffee shop and was able to wear my full outfit to drinks that evening. I love that the shoes gave me versatility while being out responsibly.